Avoid Common Home Office Blunders
 By Alex R. Merriman

If you’re ready to launch your home business, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Here are some time-tested rules to help keep you from making the most common home-office mistakes.

Check city and neighborhood regulations
Do your homework. Before you open up shop, determine local zoning requirements and neighborhood association rules for home-based businesses.

If you plan to operate machinery or use hazardous chemicals you’ll probably need a special permit. Municipality rules banning commercial kitchens in residential areas may affect your fledgling catering business.

You may also be faced with rules regarding noise, excess traffic and parking, large truck deliveries and business signs.

Set a professional image
Just because you work at home doesn’t mean you’re any less of a pro than the guy who rents an office on Main Street. However, it may take a bit of work to convince potential clients that your home business isn’t just a little hobby. By establishing an image up front that says “I’m here to do business,” you can get your foot in the door faster.

Install a dedicated business phone line and always answer it using your business name. Never let your children answer your business line. Also set up a reliable voice mail system exclusively for your business.

A post office box will make it less obvious that you’re working out of your home. Plus, it will help your keep business and personal mail separate.

Have stationery and business cards professionally printed with your business name and contact information.

And when meeting with clients, always make a point to dress the part.

Have a strategy for meeting clients
Speaking of meeting with clients, it’s important to develop a game plan for taking appointments. Unless you have a dedicated entrance to your home office, you’ll probably want to consider meeting offsite. Leading a client through your living room, down the hall, past your kids’ bedrooms and finally into your home office at the back of the house isn’t the best way to build credibility.

If it’s not possible to meet at your client’s place, have other alternatives ready. A local coffee shop, city library, quiet bookstore or hotel lobby are all good options. Many of these places even offer free wireless Internet which could come in handy, especially if you’re a Web designer wanting to show off your craft. Your only out-of-pocket cost could be a cup o’ joe.

Establish boundaries with family and neighbors
Set rules with your family that a closed office door means off limits. Nothing says “amateur” more than having a teen begging for the car keys or a screaming toddler in the background when you’re on a business call.

Likewise, make it clear that supplies in your office are not up for grabs. You don’t want to be searching for a pen when it’s time to take down instructions from a business associate.

In addition, let neighbors know that between certain hours, you’re working and not available for babysitting, package deliveries or even coffee and chit-chat.

Don’t become an errand boy
Flexibility may be one reason you established your home business. However, being the “to-go” person for every trip to the post office, dentist visit, sick child or home repair guy really cuts into the time you need to build your business.

Being the one working at home, it’s often assumed that you should take on these duties. But the bottom line is you are at work no matter where your office may be. Emphasize to your family the importance of your time and insist that chores be shared.

Get out of the house
Don’t be a lone ranger. Along with working at home comes some amount of isolation. It’s important to get out of the house and have some outside interaction.

Join networking groups, the chamber of commerce or industry-specific associations. Take a class at the local community college to help hone your skills. You’ll meet new people and share some handy business tips. Plus, you never know who might be your next client or referral.

(Posted May 2007)

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